Remote code execution in Microsoft XML Core Services

1) Memory corruption

EUVDB-ID: #VU3963

Risk: Critical

CVSSv3.1: 9.2 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2012-1889

CWE-ID: CWE-119 - Memory corruption

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The weakness exists due to boundary error in XML Core Services (MSXML) when attempting to access an object in memory that has not been initialized. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted Web site, trick the victim into viewing it, trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code with privileges of the current user.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability results in arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable system.

Note: the vulnerability was being actively exploited.

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Microsoft XML Core Services: 3.0 - 6.0

External links

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms12-043

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.